As you know, computers have RAM. Whenever a program is opened, it takes up space in RAM. If ever all of the RAM has been used up and memory is still needed, an allotted space in the hard drive is used for that purpose. That is what you call Virtual Memory. Keep in mind that RAM is always faster than Virtual Memory, so it is best that it never gets used as much as possible. Best thing to do is to close down unused applications.

Hi jimncha2008! They are right, you need to add more memory to your system, This is because if your memory cannot accommodate more data it uses your hard drive as your extended memory(virtual memory). This is fine for small amount but your processing slows down much more for large amount. Its like, if your looking for something you'll find it faster if you remember where you've placed it than looking at the index card of item locations. Now a days 512MB is the minimum, if you're into video then consider adding more. We don't want this to be in our way of myLotting, right? :)